Walkup Lake Campground
4.3616 reviews650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Walkup Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $10 per night for single sites.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Walkup Lake, this hidden gem within the Huron-Manistee National Forests beckons those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. Far from the hustle of modern life, Walkup Lake Campground invites you to slow down and reconnect with the simple pleasures of outdoor living. Here, the gentle lapping of lake waters against the shore serves as nature's soundtrack, while towering trees provide a natural canopy for your rustic retreat. Though amenities remain refreshingly basic, the campground offers everything needed for those who find luxury in starlit skies and morning mist rising from the water.
Walkup Lake Campground is a rustic campground offering single tent and RV camping sites. It is not gated during the off-season.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Michigan's seasons at Walkup Lake, where each time of year paints the landscape in distinctive hues. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-blanketed wonderland, with temperatures that plunge below freezing and create a crystalline landscape perfect for those who embrace the cold. As spring awakens the forest, summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days ideal for swimming and paddling. Clear blue skies dominate the season, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that keep the forest lush and green. Fall brings a spectacular color show as hardwoods burst into flames of red, orange, and gold.
Natural Features and SceneryWalkup Lake serves as the campground's crown jewel, its calm waters reflecting the surrounding forest like a natural mirror. Dense woodlands embrace the camping area, creating intimate sites sheltered by a mix of hardwoods and evergreens. Morning visitors often include deer tiptoeing to the water's edge, while eagles soar overhead searching for their next meal. The interplay of water and forest creates countless photogenic moments, from sunrise filtering through morning fog to sunset painting the lake in shades of amber and rose. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the diverse ecosystem where forest meets water, creating habitats for everything from songbirds to waterfowl.
Geological RegionSituated within the expansive Huron-Manistee National Forests, Walkup Lake Campground occupies a special corner of Michigan's vast northern woodlands. This region, sculpted by ancient glaciers, features the rolling terrain and numerous lakes characteristic of Michigan's geological heritage. The surrounding forest represents a thriving ecosystem where northern hardwoods mingle with conifers, creating a diverse tapestry of trees that changes with the seasons. Multiple lakes dot the landscape, each carved by glacial forces thousands of years ago, now serving as aquatic oases that support rich biodiversity and offer endless opportunities for water-based recreation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeSome reviews mention tighter spaces for camping.
Sites PrivacyMixed privacy levels, with some sites located near the road, resulting in noise, and others closer to the lake offering more isolation.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the lake (#1, #2, #3) are recommended for quieter stays and better views.
Best CampsitesSites #1, #2, #3 are closer to the lake and far from Cleveland Dr., providing quieter camping.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in any time
Check-out
Check-out any time
Stay Limit
No mention of stay limits
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per single site
Groups
Details about group sites are not available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSeven vehicle capacity with sites near the entrance and closer to the lake.
Open and Closed SeasonMay 1 - October 31
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable since the site is walk-up only.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Walkup Lake Campground offers activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. This rustic location is praised for its proximity to Walkup Lake and its surrounding woodland scenery.
Hiking
"Not a ton of hiking options, but this was a cozy little campground."
User reviews note that trails around the area provide beautiful views of lakes and wooded forests.Fishing
Fishing is popular among campers. One user reported catching 22 bluegills. The lake supports both regular and ice fishing.Boating
Boating opportunities include motorized and non-motorized options. A boat ramp is available, as noted by reviewers.Winter Activities
Ice fishing is supported, but other winter activities are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Kayaking, canoeing, and motorized boating options are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Permitted within designated fire rings on each campsite.
- Quiet hours are Forest quiet hours apply during nighttime.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential road noise near Cleveland Dr. Vault toilets are cleaned twice a week.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger Station and District: 650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304. Phone: (231) 745-4631.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - October 31
Trash and recyclingTrash pickup is available, but recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSituated on Walkup Lake with access to fishing and boating.
Common complaintsVault toilets are clean but road noise from Cleveland Dr. can be an issue.
Campground Map
650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304
Driving directionsFrom Baldwin - Travel south on M-37 for 10 miles. Turn right and travel west on 14 Mile Rd. for 1 mile. Turn left and travel south on Bingham Rd. for 0.5 miles. Turn right and travel west on Cleveland Dr. for 2.5 miles. The site is located on the right.
The access road is not plowed during winter months and parking lots are not maintained during that time.Nearby places
North Country National Scenic Trail - 10 miles, Nichols Lake North - 1 mile, Nichols Lake South Campground - 0.5 miles
Nearby supplies
Ranger station in Baldwin, Michigan.
Camper Reviews
4.4
16 reviews
Walkup Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight Walkup Lake Campground as a rustic, peaceful destination with clean amenities and opportunities for fishing and boating. However, there are complaints about road noise and rowdy campers during peak times.
Review Summaries
Based on 16 reviews
What Campers Love
- Clean vault toilets
- Affordable camping at $10 per night
- Beautiful views of Walkup Lake
- Opportunities for fishing and boating
- Maintained fire pits and picnic tables.
Based on 16 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Noise from nearby Cleveland Dr.
- Limited hiking options
- Occasional rowdy campers during weekends.
Based on 16 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early to secure campsites closer to the lake.
- Bring potable water, as none is available on-site.
- Fall is an excellent season for camping due to fewer crowds and scenic foliage.
Based on 16 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall season is especially praised for its scenic beauty and fewer crowds. Peak summer weekends can be noisier due to rowdy campers and road traffic.
Based on 16 reviewsCamper Quotes
"We really enjoyed the hikes, beautiful wooded forest and the trails go around some beautiful lakes." (Sridhar R)
"Vaulted restroom was clean. They had a note on the door saying that it was cleaned...
Based on 16 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites #1, #2, and #3 are closer to the lake and farther from the road, offering a quieter camping experience.
Based on 16 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not specifically mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and several reviews note the pet-friendly nature of the campground.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025